How to Become a Cybersecurity Specialist Career Salary Guide

The cyber security specialist should study and stay abreast of the latest threats, vulnerabilities, and security tools and technologies. If you enjoy challenges and doing something different every day, then you may enjoy a career in cyber security. If you’re wondering how to get into cybersecurity, remember that this is a highly technical field requiring a background in computer networks, coding and programming and encryption, among others. A bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity or computer science can provide a solid foundation in these subjects.

Information security is an overarching term for creating and maintaining systems and policies to protect any information—digital, physical or intellectual, not just data in cyberspace. Confusion between information security and cybersecurity can occur since much of the information we want to store, protect and transmit exists https://remotemode.net/ in cyberspace. While cybersecurity is a part of information security, certain aspects of information security are not included within the realm of cybersecurity. One way to understand infosec as compared to cybersecurity is to view the field as an umbrella term that includes all data, not just data stored within cyberspace.

Companies Hiring Cybersecurity Specialists

But as wonderful as this technology can be, it also offers opportunities for new kinds of criminal activity. These are often conferred by the state where the university is based or by regional accreditation bodies. A reputable cybersecurity program will have also earned accreditations from the industry. Real-world examples and applications are covered in most courses, culminating in the capstone where you explore an area of cybersecurity that interests you most. Traditionally, network operations and IT professionals and teams handled core technology functions.

• Here are some things to consider when choosing which certification is right for you.
• The following sections illustrate the key skills of cyber security specialists and other relevant information.
• The University of Pennsylvania offers an Ivy League Master of Computer and Information Technology degree designed especially for students without a computer science background.
• In addition to these, knowing the fundamentals of data loss prevention, anti-virus, and anti-malware will make you stand out.

Cybersecurity roles take 21% longer to fill than other types of jobs on average. A cyber security career lets you apply your aptitude for technology by defending people, companies, non-profits, and government agencies from harm. You also have the opportunity to do all this while making a comfortable income. It’s a rewarding and lucrative position, putting you on a path to a fulfilling career.

Career guides for cybersecurity

Like any certificate program, you can include your finished course on your resume’s education section. Even if you don’t have cybersecurity experience, employers will look for how to become a security specialist some type of education along with skills from your other positions. The good news is these numbers show that cybersecurity will offer you great opportunities in the field.

As a cybersecurity specialist, you’ll enjoy a competitive salary, job security and opportunities. Companies and organizations will often quick to promote cybersecurity positions from internally available candidates first rather than finding new hires. While working for an organization, you’ll gain valuable information about their programs and infrastructure. This information will make you more desirable for promotions so the company doesn’t have to invest in training someone new. If you’re considering a career as a cyber security specialist, you may be on the front lines of modern national defense.

How many skills do you need to be a cybersecurity specialist?

Despite the attractive numbers and factors we’ve already listed, it’s still such a changing field. Many traditional colleges and universities are starting to add specific cybersecurity programs to their programs of study due to the increased demand for training and employment. Furthermore, young students aren’t always aware of the opportunities available to them to enter such a field. A bachelor’s degree in cyber security can give you a broad survey of the field with some opportunity for specialization. Those who already hold a bachelor’s degree may opt to earn a master’s degree in cyber security. If you are looking toward leadership positions in the cyber security space, you’ll need to find a program that will develop your management and communication skills.

In the early 2000’s the continued growth of internet usage led to a rise in internet crime and a call for further internet security. Now, major breaches, like LinkedIn’s data leak in June 2021, threaten to affect a shocking amount of users. Threats to online security closely shadow the history and development of the internet itself. Starting as early as the 1990s, simple antivirus software like the Reaper, created by Ray Tomlinson, became necessary to protect user’s online activity. Problem-solving skills require that the candidate use logic and data to find answers to an incident or problem. Determining whether a result is a false negative, false positive, actual negative or actual positive is part of problem-solving.